Weekend in Idaho- Seth’s wedding

 Good October events just keep coming for the most part (work had a few rocky days last week and I feel anxious about a circumstance). Seth, Michael’s oldest, got married over the weekend in the Pocatello Idaho Temple. Sandra and I flew out to Boise for that and have enjoyed the weekend. We ride to wedding with Michael and I enjoyed the 3ish hour drive visiting with he and Sandra. Michael has been making cutting boards and gave each of us girls one. I did not get my initial favorite one but love the one he gave me.  He chose one that reminded him of me, partially because it had red wood in it. It is my favorite now because he made it and chose it for me. It also was made from wood from the farm. Next to the cutting board and wedding itself some of my other favorite highlights were: seeing our college friend Ronnel Hugh and his wife (added bonus he lives in Saratoga Springs mission,  minutes from the mission office), Seth calling me Nae Nae still, seeing he and Lizzie go to each table hand in hand and talk to people, meeting Sydney’s boyfriend, dinner at James’s, helping Michael with a counter top and cutting board, seeing Annie talk about her crush, watching Josie share and just a happy girl, seeing more of Chloe’s personality, and seeing Claire do chatty for the first time. I loved lunch with Kara Friday after we flew in and lunch with Michael & Amy before flying out today,  I want to talk to them more.  It was a great weekend, aside from worrying about work. 

Michael and girls (Chloe, Michael, Sydney, and Claire) 

My girls spent the weekend in Knoxville together and I loved getting pictures from them too. 

Will's Mission Call

 Friday, 10/2, seemed like another normal day at work until I saw that Will's mission call was ready and then I became anxious.  We were uncertain of the type of mission he would serve or if he would be able to serve. Calls typically come in on a Tuesday and it was Friday....and they typically take a couple weeks, and his papers had only been submitted 9 days.  Why would I not be anxious?!?! 

However, Jake had told me that the day before when he had his monthly meeting with President Mosey (Stake president) that they had briefly talked about the three young men from our ward that had papers currently in. Jake felt about 95% certain Will would be proselyting because President Mosey had not been back and forth with medical about him. 

I texted Jake and then the girls.  Ginny called and we came up with a plan for food, to have a few people over, and set up a zoom for family not local for him to open his call.  We picked up some of his favorite foods and decorated a little while we sent him to get a nugget tray for "dinner" (wink, wink).  

He came home and read his call. As he read it, I wept with gratitude that he was able to serve and to see him so incredibly happy. I reflected on how hard that boy has worked to be able to submit his papers. He was smiles all night.  He has been called to in the Utah Saratoga Springs Mission and his service begins on January 13, 2027.  Our family celebrated with him and some of our close ward members to him. 

The next day, Jake texted his parents the following: 

“Mom and dad, I didn’t know if I would get the opportunity to send Jake on his mission.  I kept seeing all of his weaknesses and challenges and didn’t know if it was possible.  I kept trying to get him to make changes but wasn’t seeing much progress.  Then July came.  He attended FSY and came back somehow a little changed.  His spoken desire was matched by his actions.  I had my final interview with him and couldn’t keep myself from crying.  I was such a baby.  However, I still had my doubts.  I had to pray several times before I could hit submit.  I spoke to Him, my omnipotent Father, and expressed all of my concerns about his preparation.  Patiently the Spirit told me that Jake was ready.  He reminded me of the many times He had trusted me despite all my weakness.  Even after that, I had to pray again and ask if He was sure.  He was.  So I, with greater confidence, added my comments about a boy who had the disadvantage (or at least added challenge) of having a father as bishop who saw all the shortcomings, but that he had worked so hard for the opportunity to serve and that he was ready.  I was taken back by how quickly he received his call, just three weeks from when I hit submit, but see the wisdom in helping him keep the momentum.  And oh how I loved to see how happy Jake was.  I am so happy to see him happy.  I am so grateful that God is patient with me and continues to help me.  I see in Jake many parallels to how the Savior has worked with me.  Now I believe I will get the opportunity to present Jake to the ward, probably as one of my final acts as a bishop, and send him off to Saratoga Springs… to serve a mission that he has longed to do for so many years.  

Thank you for being such wonderful parents.  Your love for Christ and for our family has made all the difference to me.”

Girls Trip to Dallas

 The girls and I made a quick weekend trip to Dallas the 9/11 - 9/13 and met Jake's side of the family to go see Practical Magic. Aubree and I got up early Saturday morning and went for iniatories at theDallas Temple.  It was a difficult week for me as my boss committed suicide that Monday. The weekend after we returned, Jake had to 2 funerals/memorial services for church as well. I was unable to make it to my bosses because it conflicted with another and I felt it was more important to be there for Jake and allow the family to use my zoom account so that out-of-town family members who were unable to attend could still view the services. 

I love having the house decorated for the holidays and started Halloween on 9/7. 

Natalie, Maddie, Gentry, Emily & Jenny Langford (her daughters and daughter in law)

Jake shared that he did not view funerals in a negative light because he felt the Spirit as he did them and served others.  He is a strength to me on many levels. 

Random September updates

 Most importantly, Will's mission papers are in to church headquarters as of 9/23. Now we wait. 

Ginny has been dating a guy, Sterling Hammond, for a couple months now. I think they started talking in July and had their first date towards the end of July. I think they have seen each other every weekend since except for the weekend we went to Dallas. 

The primary program was cute. Afterwards the bishopric spent most of second hour with the primary kids playing a game of guess which bishopric member and if the kid got it right, they were able to cut a piece of the tie. 

We received this text and pictures that evening after the program: "I couldn't help but take a few photos throughout the program today of you two sitting up there together. You looked so happy and like a mother and father surrounded by so many children sitting in the middle of everyone like that. I loved seeing it." When I looked closer at them, you could see the joy on Jake's face.  He loves big. 

Fun Fact...Aubs is 22

 Today our favorite red head turns 22. Aubree seeks to strengthen her relationship with the Savior daily.  She is very deliberate in helping others feel genuinely welcome and included.  She shares her musical talents with others and seeks to lift others.  Aubree loves to see others happy from baking them a treat to sitting and chatting, even though she is exhausted and may have an early day the next day.  She is a disciple. 

Facts about Aubree by Aubree (yes, she indulged me when I asked her to answer).  

I love my job.

My favorite thing to do is be outside.

I love learning about my Savior.

I currently want to be when I grow up: nurse (maybe CRNA with peds focus)

My favorite color is green.

My favorite show is Parks & Rec

My favorite game is CodeNames

My favorite activity is hiking or watercolor. 

My favorite boy is Jesus.

I am really good at smiling. 

My best friend is Ginny. 

I want to vacation to Greece. 

My favorite ice cream is birthday cake.  

My wish is to help people feel loved. 

My hero is my dad.

My favorite thing to do with my friends is hobbit girl walks (walk & talk)

My favorite holiday is Easter.

My favorite person in the whole world is Jesus. 

My favorite song is "28" by Zach Bryan.

My favorite restaurant is ...no idea? 

My favorite food are mom's pork burritos, sandwiches, and chicken with rice. 

If I had $1000, I would buy textbooks and Fig scrubs.